Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 and the crowds will be gathering in New Orleans for the festivities. Whether you're planning on joining them, or thinking about a trip to The Big Easy later in the year, we have books to help you Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Orleans embrace: with the secret gardens of the Vieux Carre by TJ Fisher, Roy F. Guste, Jr.

Eyewitness travel top 10 New Orleans by Paul Greenberg

Five books to help make life a little easier as you age:

I feel great about my hands: and other unexpected joys of aging by edited by Shari Graydon

AARP guide to revitalizing your home: beautiful living for the second half of life: reimagine, redesign, remodel by Rosemary Bakker

The social animal: the hidden sources of love, character, and achievement by David Brooks

Zombie felties: how to raise 16 gruesome felt creatures from the undead by Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate

Who doesn't love a cute zombie? This book has a whole cast of the adorable undead, from the Thrilla, Classic, and Bunny Zombies seen on the cover to zombie kitties, babies, brides, and many more. These crafts are easy to make and a lot of fun besides. Find more about zombie felties on Facebook.

1493: uncovering the new world Columbus created by Charles C.

The bust DIY guide to life: making your way through every day by Laurie Henzel & Debbie Stoller — This book covers the gamut: all the things you love about BUST magazine and more. Crafting, cooking, and beauty tips are just the start. There is also info on being a landlady, polishing your resume, traveling, and much more. This is way more than a contemporary home economics book!

Arc of justice: a saga of race, civil rights, and murder in the Jazz Age by Kevin Boyle — is the 2012 Great Michigan Read, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words:

DVDs

Eyes on the prize. Vol. 1, [videodisc]: America's civil rights movement by Blackside

We owe the celebration of Black History Month to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of slaves who went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. He launched Negro History Week in 1926 in order to bring national attention to the contributions of blacks throughout American history. Woodson chose the second week of February for this recognition because it marks the birthdays of two men whose lives greatly influenced the black American population — Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The celebration evolved into Black History Month in 1976.

Have you ever made a terrarium? They're all the rage lately and they're so easy to make. Check out this tutorial for terrarium ornaments, and take a look at some of the resources we have here at the library:

Terrarium craft: create 50 magical, miniature worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello & Kate Bryant; photography by Kate Baldwin

The new terrarium: creating beautiful displays for plants and nature by Tovah Martin and Kindra Clineff

The United States Department of agriculture had updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, reflecting a more accurate picture of growing conditions in the United States. Canton, Michigan is currently in zone 6a and 50% of the country has a warmer zone assigned. Gardeners, nurseries and plant breeders are among those who use the map. Data also figures into research models for crop-risk insurance and the spread of exotic weeds and insects.

Furoshiki: the art of wrapping with fabric by Kumiko Nakayama-Geraerts — A furoshiki is a piece of cloth about one meter square. It is used to carry objects, and the art of wrapping furoshiki was established sometime in the 12th-14th century. The art of furoshiki is also heavily associated with gift giving, and the wrapping itself becomes part of the gift. This book contains specific instructions for wrapping objects of varying shapes, and the different knots that are required to secure the fabric. There are even techniques especially for carrying one or two books! Also included are patterns for embroidering your furoshiki.

Canton Seniors Book Discussion group will meet on Wednesday, March 28 from 2:00-3:00 PM in Canton Public Library's Group Study Room A. We are reading:

The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot — Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells-taken without her knowledge-became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first "immortal" human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years.

Guess what? Our beloved mitten state is celebrating a major milestone Thursday — 175 years of Statehood! Time does fly, doesn't it? We've seen both good and bad events in our historical journey through time, plus we have given birth to numerous famous people. On this date in 1837, President Jackson signed the bill that officially made us the 26th state in the union. There are lots of ways you can celebrate this momentous occasion including baking a cake shaped like Michigan, take pictures of your neighborhood, write what you love about our great state, or check out some of our wonderful materials on Michigan.

AUSTENtatious crochet: 36 contemporary designs from the world of Jane Austen by Melissa Horozewski; photography by Chris Hynes — Are you a fan of Jane Austen? This book provides patterns for a wealth of crochet designs inspired by all six of Austen's classic novels. Also included is background information on the roles of fashion and needlework in Austen's time. Included are romantic sweaters, delicate necklaces, cozy afghans, and many more projects to keep your hands busy while you listen to Jane's works or watch on DVD.

Sunday Giffords announced that she would resign from the U.S. House to focus on her recovery from the attempted assassination on her a year ago. In Gabby: a story of courage and hope, a book that she and husband Mark Kelly coauthored with Jeffrey Zaslow they relate their moving account of a family surviving tragedy and the logistics of living through a medical nightmare. Jeffrey Zaslow is scheduled to speak at the library on February 23, 2012.

Getting your baby to sleep at night can be a challenge. For parents who need tips and advice for successful sleeping, we have several sleep guides available in the Parenting section in the Children's Department. Check out some of the titles listed below to help your baby (and yourself!) get some much-needed rest.

The complete guide to helping your baby sleep through the night so you can too: 101 tips and tricks every parent needs to know by Jessica Linnell

The baby sleeps tonight: your infant sleeping through the night by 9 weeks (yes, really!) by Shari Mezrah

2011 North American Hammett Prize nominees have been announced by the International Crime Writers Association — North American Branch. The organization will name the Hammett Prize winner, during the Bloody Words Conference, in Toronto, June 1-3, 2012. The winner will receive a bronze trophy, designed by sculptor Peter Boiger.

Feast day of fools: a novel by James Lee Burke

Claire DeWitt and the city of the dead [sound recording]: [a mystery] by Sara Gran

M is for masterpiece: an art alphabet by written by David Domeniconi ; illustrated by Will Bullas — is a great way to combine two great loves of mine — the ABC's and Art. This colorful book highlights a different item or person in the world of art and gives you a chance to brush up on your alphabet. Sounds like a winner to me. Enjoy!

Sewing in a straight line: quick & crafty projects you can make by simply sewing straight by Brett Bara — What could be easier than sewing in a straight line? This book is a great choice for a beginner, since each project teaches you how to do a handful of techniques, but none are so complicated as to be overwhelming. There are garments, blankets, accessories, household items, and more, so there's bound to be at least one project that appeals to you. Check out the author's website for more info and videos about some of the projects.

Tag-A-Long, a golden retriever, recently celebrated his 12th birthday. What's so unusual about that? He's a therapy dog. These special dogs help others who have challenges and bring joy to those in hospitals and nursing care centers. Want to learn more? Check out this book, Angel on a Leash.

Share both wine and a good mystery for an evening of fun and mayhem at Vintner's Canton Winery located at 8515 N. Lilley Road in Canton. The book being discussed will be Wine and War: The French, The Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure by Don and Petie Kladstrup. When France fell to the Nazis in 1940, the German army began a campaign to pillage one of the assets the French hold most dear: their wine. Please register to join us on February 21st from 7:00-8:00 PM. Books will be available by January 21st, so ask for your copy at the adult reference desk.